LotusHaus Mama

20 Weeks and... We're Having a Boy!

I'm 20 weeks along in my pregnancy and our ultrasound shows that we will be having a boy! We are so thrilled! The baby is healthy and was moving and kicking the whole time. We even saw him roll over! Watching the heart beating was also so amazing. This photo shows him holding up a fist, lol! Baby Power!

Zenblocks Rock!

zenblocks are eco-friendly stacking wood blocks made in Idaho from sustainable, urban harvested wood (organic black walnut). "After witnessing his niece and nephew mindfully stack rocks for fun in their yard, woodworker Mike Peck began crafting zenblocks with the leftover scraps from his furniture business." 

Functional, organic, mindful and artistic! Looks great on the table when not in use too, lol! I love wooden toys! Via Inhabitots.

10,000 Blessings Feng Shui } 9 Tips for the Nursery

 
Gwynn Warner from 10,000 Blessings Feng Shui in Oregon graciously sent over these wonderful 9 tips for creating a restful & safe environment for babies’ & toddlers’ rooms. Whether you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, it is in ideal time to have a Feng Shui consultation to support your journey!

In the meanwhile, as you begin to set up the nursery, please keep this Feng Shui wisdom in mind:

 1.  Make sure there are no “poison arrows” or sharp corners from furniture or objects pointed towards their heads or bodies—cover any sharp edges with fabric or trailing plant leaves.  Use furniture with rounded edges wherever possible.  No shelves, cupboards or storage structures should be above their crib or bed.  See your friendly consultant if you have beams or slanted ceilings in the room.

2.  Select soft, restful colors for their paint and mural colors such as lavender or blue.  Avoid bold and active patterns or colors in the décor (including bed linens). 

3. Place the bed in the command position so that your child can see the door.  For a baby, place the side of the bed to a solid wall; for a toddler, the head-board should go against a solid wall.  Neither should be in direct line with a door nor against a window.  Also avoid the bed sharing a wall with a bathroom, toilet or utility room.  Choose a room for them that is far away from excessive noise such as a tv or loud neighbors.

4.  Avoid stagnation by bringing in at least 15 minutes of fresh air each day and using natural aromatherapy cleaning products.  Keep movement in the room with mobiles or a wind-chime hung at the window to catch the breeze.   Or use small fan running on low (however, do not place a ceiling fan over their bed!).  You can also play gentle and beautiful music.

5.  Keep the room very clean including frequent washing of bedding.  Clear all clutter.  You can use aromatherapy (such as lavender) in a diffuser or spray-mist bottle to invite more calm.  Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector if the nursery is next to or above the garage (but avoid their room being in this position anyway!). 

6.  Store stuffed animals and toys out of sight at night.  Also curtain off mirrored closets.  Both can disrupt sleep.  Use window treatments for protection from the outside.

7.  Minimize unnecessary electronics and keep them away from their heads.   Keep the lighting in balance—not too bright so they can rest deeply; yet not too dim or yin so they can grow and thrive.

8.  Add restful imagery to the room such as a Laughing Buddha with Children around him as a symbol of joy and benevolence.  Avoid overly yang (or active) images or aggressive animals such as reptiles, dinosaurs and tigers.  Nature scenes (but avoiding overly watery pictures) are fantastic to promote growth.  A family portrait is also ideal for comfort.

9.  Have a Feng Shui Blessing Ceremony in your nursery and home.  It is the strongest method for clearing energy blockages and increasing the flow of chi as well as inviting in vital health, blessings, prosperity and good fortune. 

*All Text courtesy of Gwynne Warner
www.10kBlessingsFengShui.com
www.10KBlessingsFengShui.typepad.com

Kate Quinn Organics Summer Collection!

Oh I can't wait to find out what gender our baby will be! I am in LOVE with the new Kate Quinn Organics  summer collection! Check out their new prints and beautiful richly colored organic cotton crib bedding with matching window panels! This bedding collection is perfect! (I'm so sick of all the pink and blue options). The color theme I have in my head is peach, lavender and mint green. I also love that Kate Quinn Organics is based in the Seattle area with a showroom in Kirkland and Saturday Sample Sales at their outlet on Rainier Ave!